James "Jim" Basso

It is with great sadness that the family of James Basso announce his passing on August 26, 2016 at the age of 86.

Dad was born on September 1, 1929 at Sundridge, Ontario to Frank and Jessie Basso and moved to Manitoba as a child. He grew up in Makaroff, Kenville, and Durban.　 As a young man, he played baseball for various teams around the valley and spoke often of driving home from Dauphin, where he worked for Vulcan Machinery, to play ball all weekend. He met Del Holland of Whitebeech, SK, and the two married in 1954, raising 5 children together. After Del’s passing in 1978, Dad eventually met his life partner, Gayline Hrappsted and they shared many years together dancing, fishing, playing music and visiting with friends and family. Gayline passed away in 2006. Her children: Kerry, Kirk, Danny, Jason and their families remain as part of our extended family. Dad’s greatest love was family, spending much time fishing and hunting with his brothers and also attending the annual Basso Family ‘Rebellion’ (still an annual event) filling everyone’s head with stories of their youth.　 Another important focus of Dad’s life was music.　 As kids growing up, our house was often a meeting place for music that would carry on to the wee hours of the morning. The gift of music was passed on to a few family members who carry on the legacy left by Dad.

Dad is survived by his children: Marion Graham (Ken) of Foam Lake, SK; Patrick (Shannon) of Swan River, MB; Kevin (Jackie) of Swan River, MB; Michelle Christensen (Brent) of Swan River, MB; Curtis (Sandra) of Shoal Lake, MB; sister Myrna Gray (Maurice) of Virden, MB; brother Derek (Karen) of Baker Lake, South Carolina, USA; and brother Dennis (Marlene) of Shoal Lake, MB; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and by his sisters-in-law Grace, Gwen and Isobel.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Frank and Jesse, his wife, Del; life partner, Gayline; Rita and Elwood Affleck, Doris and Pete Blazenko, Winona and Mac Poisson and brothers: Ed, Ray, and Wayne.

Grandpa Jim, Papa Jim, Uncle Jim, Brother Albert, Jim, and Dad will be greatly missed by all who shared his life with him. May he rest peacefully.

Funeral service was held on September 5th, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Temple Baptist Church, Swan River, Manitoba with Pastor Rob Ter Horst officiating.

Active pallbearers were: Rita Brock, Brandie Basso, James Graham, Brendan Christensen, Chris Ferguson and Jordon Basso.

Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Williamson, Nick Bobick and Glen Weston, as well as all of Dad’s grandchildren were to consider themselves as honorary pallbearers.

Following the service, Dad was laid to rest in the Birchwood Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Dad’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium is honored to have served the Basso family.